CHICAGO — In a move that has stunned WNBA fans and pundits alike, Angel Reese confirmed she will return to the Chicago Sky for the 2026 season, putting to rest swirling rumors of a potential departure after a chaotic 2025 campaign. The two-time All-Star, who faced suspension and public scrutiny for comments made against her teammates and team management, spoke out Friday from the U.S. national team training camp in Duke, signaling a renewed commitment to the franchise.
“I want to make it clear—despite the tensions we faced at the end of last season, my focus is on growth, teamwork, and representing Chicago Sky with pride,” Reese said. “This is my home, and I’m committed to giving my best on and off the court. Challenges come and go, but my dedication to this team and our fans remains unwavering.” Her statement marks a dramatic turnaround for a player whose relationship with the Sky appeared fractured in the closing weeks of 2025.
Drafted seventh overall in 2024, Reese’s sophomore season was nothing short of spectacular statistically, even as it became increasingly strained off the court. She led the league in rebounds with an average of 12.6 per game, dominated in double-doubles with 23, and topped the Sky in scoring (14.7 points per game) and assists (3.7 per game). Yet her candid remarks to the Chicago Tribune about the team’s need to bolster its point guard position sparked friction with management, resulting in her suspension for the first half of the following game and ultimately sidelining her for the last four games due to a reported back injury. Without Reese, Chicago collapsed to a dismal 1–13 record in that stretch, finishing the season at 10–34 and missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year.
Despite the turbulence, Reese’s contract runs through 2026, with a team option for 2027. Since the end of the season, she has issued both public and private apologies to teammates, attempting to mend fences after months of tension. According to team sources, her commitment to the Sky is genuine, and she has been actively communicating with GM Jeff Pagliocca and team president Tyler Marsh to rebuild trust and clarify her role moving forward.
Adding to the positive momentum, Reese is reportedly fully recovered from her back injury, which limited her to just 30 games in 2025. She was recently named among 10 players invited to the U.S. national team training camp, joining elite talents such as Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins, and Paige Bueckers. “These are moments you don’t take for granted,” Reese said. “I hadn’t been in national selection since college, and coming back with the hope of making the team is incredibly meaningful. I’ve always dreamed of playing in the Olympics, especially in Los Angeles. I want to represent this country the best way I can. I’m really excited to be here and to live this moment.”
WNBA insiders are watching closely, noting that Reese’s return could dramatically alter the Sky’s trajectory. Her presence on the court is undeniable, but questions remain: Can she navigate the tense dynamics from last season and lead Chicago back to playoff contention? Analysts warn that the next few months will be critical, not only for Reese’s personal growth but also for the Sky’s ability to rebuild team chemistry around her star power.
For fans, one thing is clear: Angel Reese is back, and she is ready to dominate. But whether the Sky can transform this turbulence into triumph remains a story that is only just beginning.
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